Odessa High’s football team will look to end the 2022 regular season on a high note,against Midland Legacy at 7 p.m. Friday at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland.
The Rebels have had the Bronchos’ number in recent years, as Odessa High has lost by an average of 41.2 points per game, including consecutive blowout losses of 42-7 (2018), 62-7 (2019), 46-0 (2020) and last year’s rout of 65-0.
Bronchos’ coach Dusty Ortiz wants to look at the positive side.
“If we give some great effort on Friday, like we did the other night, I think the game is gonna be really exciting,” Ortiz said. “I think our kids fully expect to come out and play at the highest level they possibly can and put on a show for everybody.”
Ortiz noticed some key points during his team’s video session.
“We have to limit our three-and-outs on offense,” Ortiz said. “I think we have to start fast on both sides of the ball – score and then get ready to defend them, since their offense is really good.
“Midland Legacy has a quarterback that is getting collegiate offers all over the place,” Ortiz continued.
That quarterback is 6-foot, 4-inch junior Marcus Davila, who ranks second in district 2-6A in nearly every single passing statistic, including passing yards (2,414), touchdowns (29) and quarterback rating (117).
>> TURNOVERS A NO-NO: The Bronchos have lost the ball once in each of the last two games – both on interceptions thrown by senior Jaylien Jones.
Midland Legacy will be ready to cause more havoc.
The Rebels have forced eight fumbles, 13 interceptions and 14 sacks this season.
“From the first game that I’ve watched film on him to this past game, you know, they’re flying around to the ball,” Ortiz said. “They play a very physical and aggressive defense, and they have a good secondary.
“That’s what happens when you are overly aggressive,” Ortiz continued. “Things happen in your favor, and you get the takeaway, you get the tackles for losses and so forth. They do a really good job of that.”
On the flip-side, Jones has to be aware of the oncoming Rebels pass rush at all times.
Ortiz stressed that the offensive line has to play well for the sacks and forced turnovers to be nonexistent.
“We’re going to have to do a good job of protecting and possibly changing the tempo to offset the aggressiveness and have hard counts,” Ortiz said. “Jones is going to have to do a good job of managing the game and taking care of the ball.
“I think we as coaches have to put them in great situations for him to execute and thrive in.”
>> WINLESS ON THE ROAD: The Odessa High Bronchos have yet to win a road game this season, as their prior losses came to Amarillo High (42-17) back on September 16 and San Angelo Central (57-34) on October 14.
What is the issue regarding the Bronchos’ road woes?
“I think bus rides, especially when they are longer than an hour does take a little bit of energy out there,” Ortiz said. “Sitting in the bus for long stretches can get kind of tiring.”
Ortiz also said that day-to-day school life might take a toll on the players on road game days.
“They’re getting up, changing classes and moving round and round and so forth,” Ortiz continued. “But, I don’t know if that necessarily has an effect on us.”
>> LOWER LEVEL: All four teams lost last Thursday.
Freshmen White lost at home, 38-6, to Wolfforth Frenship ,with the Freshmen Red dropping a 49-8 decision at Ratliff Stadium.
The JV White team lost to Midland High, 32-14, on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.
That was followed by the JV Red squad falling 55-36 to the Bulldogs.
The Freshmen teams will travel to face the Rebels at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Astound Broadband Stadium.
The JV White team hosts Midland Legacy at 5 p.m. Thursday at Ratliff Stadium, followed by the JV Red squad at 6:30 p.m.
>> Follow Sameer Malla on Twitter at @OA_SameerMalla
ODESSA HIGH AT MIDLAND LEGACY
>> When: 7 p.m. Friday.
>> Where: Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland
>> Last Season: Midland Legacy 65, Odessa High 0
>> Records: Odessa High 3-6 overall, 0-3 District 2-6A; Midland Legacy 5-4, 3-1
>> Radio: KHKX (FM-99.1)
>> Live Updates: Follow on Twitter at @OA_SameerMalla
